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Medical examiner: Orlando Brown died of diabetes complications

Former Ravens offensive lineman died of natural causes

Orlando Brown, the Ravens offensive tackle known for his mean streak on the field and his loyalty off it, died from diabetic ketoacidosis.

The state medical examiner ruled that the 6-foot-7, 370-pound Brown died of an ailment common among diabetics and caused by high blood sugar and lack of insulin.

Brown was found dead Sept. 23 at his South Baltimore apartment. He was 40 years old and is survived by three sons between the ages of 9 and 15, according to the Ravens. According to court documents, he also had a younger daughter and was fighting for custody.

Brown, a Washington native whose size and fiery temperament earned him the nickname “Zeus,” played for the Ravens from 1996 to 1998 and from 2003 to 2005. He started 80 games for them over parts of six seasons.

He also sued the NFL -- and eventually agreed to a settlement -- after a much-publicized incident in which he was temporary blinded by a referee's penalty flag while playing for the Cleveland Browns.